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Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz GLB

(2019 – present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

66
%
B

Used car score:

65
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

67
%
C

Safety Rating:

75
%
B

Eco Rating:

59
%
B

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

50
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

66
%
B

Used car score:

65
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

67
%
C

Safety Rating:

75
%
B

Eco Rating:

59
%
B

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

50
%
D

Summary


The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a mid-sized SUV available with either five or seven seats. It is based on the smaller GLA model, although it is closer in size to the larger GLC. The GLB arrived in the UK in late 2019.

The GLB is available with either a petrol or diesel engine – unlike the smaller GLA, which is also offered as a plug-in hybrid. There is also a high-performance model called the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 – we have a separate page for this model.

It has received praise from reviewers for its comfort, safety and advanced technology; however, it has been criticised for limited practicality compared to similarly-priced rivals and for only offering a limited choice of engines.

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-Benz GLB holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66% on our unique Expert Rating Index. It gets good grades for its safety rating and low CO2 emissions, but its media review scores have only been average and its running costs are high.

Key specifications


Body style: Mid-sized SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £39,825 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: Spring 2023
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mirror

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 88%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 74%

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-Benz GLB has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating


Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of December 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz GLB to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GLB, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models39 mpgD37 – 50 mpgB – D
Diesel models48 mpgC45 – 50 mpgB – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models164 g/kmC159 – 172 g/kmC – C
Diesel models156 g/kmB148 – 166 g/kmB – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models30C27 – 50B – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£275C
Year 2£669C
Year 3£1,208C
Year 4£1,383C
Year 5£1,853C
Overall£5,388C

Running costs for the Mercedes-Benz GLB range are a mixed bag, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is disappointing for petrol models and around the market average for diesel-engined versions. Compared to the rest of the mid-sized SUV sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are pretty average. Based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research, insurance costs are also likely to be around the market average.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz GLB has received

2021

  • Carwow Awards – Best Family SUV

2020

  • Parkers New Car Awards – Best Medium Family Car
  • Business Car Awards – Best Premium Large SUV

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz GLB, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën C5 Aircross | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Sorento | Land Rover Discovery Sport | Mitsubishi Shogun Sport | Nissan X-Trail | Peugeot 5008 | SEAT Tarraco | Subaru Forester | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace


More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz GLB at The Car Expert

Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB set for mild facelift

Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB set for mild facelift

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

Mercedes-Benz GLB is new family-pitched SUV

Mercedes-Benz GLB is new family-pitched SUV

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The Mercedes-Benz GLB has an Expert Rating that ranks it in the middle of the mid-sized SUV field, although its seven-seat option is a plus.Mercedes-Benz GLB